Eleven fearless female founders to watch in 2018

When Anne-Marie Elias was named ‘Agenda Setter of the Year’ at the 2017 Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards, she expressed her surprise saying, “but I’m not mainstream”.

So when she told us about how determined she is to shine a spotlight on women in 2018 that she believes are not getting enough recognition, we asked her to preempt the year ahead and edit a list with us on the women to watch.

With the help of a huge online network, including men and women with no shortage of names to put forward, Elias has helped compile the following diverse list of women you should get behind as they move forward with huge agendas in 2018.

Those on the list are included because they meet three criteria: they’re smashing stereotypes; they’re more ‘under the radar’ than they should be; and they have a compelling story to tell, including one that demonstrates resilience and achieving against the odds.

“The best startups and the people to watch are those who have the lived experience,” says Elias.

“They’re not just going out there and trying to work out a niche for the sake of it. These are people who have a problem themselves, the problem resonates with a community around them, and so they come up with solutions.” Read more